Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1887-11-23
HOWARD'S DECEIT
And What It Cost Him---A Story
for Boys.

grocery store No one using tobacco need ap'
ply. B. f. JONES & Co.
This advertisement appeared in the
village paper and was the first thing
that met Mrs. Bont's eyes as she took
it up to read the news.
Just the place for Howard. she
said as she finished reading it for the
second time. 'Sixteen-that's just
his age. He's honest, active, intelli-
gent, and don't use tobacco. He has
often said he would like position in
some store. Twill run down and see
Mr. Jones at once, for fear some one
may get ahead of him."
Mrs Bent was alone in her house
when she uttered these words. and
addressed them to no one save her.
self She was widow, and the boy
she referred TO was her only child.
He was absent on this day visiting an
u lcle, and would not return till night.
She thought she would see about the
position at the store, and perhaps
would have some good news for her
boy on his return. She lived near the
edge of the village, half mile from
Jones store, rs it was commonly
called. An hour later found her in
the office Of Jones & Co., reciting a
few of the many virtues which in the
blindness of u devoted mother she be-
licved her boy possessed.
There is one point on which we are
very particular" said Mr.. Jones. "Our
firm has decided 10 have no one in our
employ who uses tobacco"
You needn't fear that Howard will
ever do that. He would no sooner use
tobacco than poison. 1 have taken
great pains in teaching him to shun
the evil ways SO many boys of his age
fall into. and feel proud of him on ac-
count of his freedom from bad habits"
II have noticed that your son seems
to he an active, intelligent sort of
boy, and l have no doubt of his hon.
esly. If he will call here this afternoon
ut four"
HE is absent to-day and will not be
home till evening""
Very well, o-morrow morning at
ten will do. l would like to have a
short interview with him, and will
come to some decision during the
day."
Mrs. Bent returned home, elated
with the prospect that seemed opening
before her son. She already saw him
installed rs clerk, pictured him gain
ing in popularity, and in the esteem of
his employers, until he became mem.
Der of the firm and was able to furnish
her home of comfort and ease.
Howard came home little before
the time set for his return, but his
mother was watching for him and met
him mt the door.
%, Howard, have good news for
yOu," were her first words as he
opened the gate and came up the walk.
They want clerk at Jones' store.
and think you can get the position if
you try. saw Mr.. Jones, and he says
you may call on him tomorrow at ton
o clock"
THE very thing uncle told me
about, and l came home little carly
on purpose to talk with you about it.
Unclc says tbs splendid chance for
the right kind of boy. And he said
he would do all he could to help me
get the place; but it seems you are
ahead of him. II can only get
place in store and be earning some-
thing I shall be glad"
"One thing they are very particular
about" said the mother 'They will
not employ anyone who smokes, or
uses tobacco in any form. I felt
proud that could tell them that you
are free from such filthy habit"
A slight color came 10 Towards face,
but his mother noticed nothing as she
proceeded 81 don't know why they
insist so strongly on this point, unless
II is on account of the fire that came
so near destroying their store You
know they thought the fire started
from the cigar of one of the clerks. /
know they discharged him the next
day, and / don't think they have had
q clerk who smokes since then.
On The next day, precisely ut ten
O'Clock, Howard Bent stepped into the
Office of Jones q Co. During the brief
interview he very creditably impressed
himself upon the members of the firm,
and arrangements were made for him
TO enter their employ at once. The
pay would be small at first, but the
promise was given that it should be in
creased just as fast rs he would make
his services more valuable. He was to
board at home and was to have two
evenings each week TO himself
On his first evening at home his
mother had long talk with him in
reference to his manner of conducting
himself, not only at the store, but on
the street and everywhere.
II am so DESTROYS that you may
succeed in this" she said, 'and II is
very important that you commence
right, and win the full confidence of
your employers. To do this means
more than the observance Of pleasant
manners in their presence. II means
thorough honesty in all things, and